KOCHI: NIA has remanded the primary accused, Sawad (38) in custody for allegedly cutting off Prof TJ Joseph's palm over blasphemy accusations. Sawad, also known as Shahjahan was arrested in Kannur and brought before the NIA court in Kochi which granted custody until the 24th of this month.

NIA's plea for an identification parade and Sawad's transfer to Ernakulam sub-jail was accepted by the court. Sawad, a former Popular Front activist had been evading authorities for thirteen years before his recent arrest in Mattannur, Kannur.

Initially investigated by the Kerala Police, the case saw Sawad allegedly entering Bengaluru from Aluva on the same day as the hand-cutting incident in 2010. Despite extensive searches, he remained elusive until the NIA took over the case in March 2011. A reward of Rs 10 lakh was announced for information leading to his capture.

Reports of Sawad's sightings abroad and speculation about his presence in Syria intensified the investigation. The recent apprehension of Sawad marks a significant breakthrough for the NIA.

In July 2010, Prof TJ Joseph suffered the palm-cutting incident. Last year, the court sentenced six individuals, with Sajil, MK Naser and Najeeb receiving life imprisonment while Naushad, Moitheen Kunju and Ayub were sentenced to three years each.